Have you considered a S&W 1911? I had one of their original versions..the SW1911. Great pistol. Accurate, reliable, well built, etc. Used it in USPSA competition for a season with great results. They are priced at or under the models you are talking about. In my area, you can pick up the Novak fixed sights models for $700 and the adjustable sight models for about $760. May be worth your consideration. I'll also put in a plug for Colt. Their 1991 pistols are great firearms. I'm using one in competition now. Sold the SW1911 to get it, but will probably get another SW1911 when I save up enough nickels and dimes.
In case your wondering about S&W as a 1911 manufacturer, where do you think Kimber and Dan Wesson get their slide and frames from?
My order of preference:
1. Colt
2. S&W
3. Springfield Armory
4. Dan Wesson
5. Kimber